Can I Keep?Tuna: Bluefin, Bigeye and Yellowfin Regulations in North Carolina (2026)
Recreational tuna: bluefin, bigeye and yellowfin rules in North Carolina saltwater, as published by the NC Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Marine Fisheries. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Size limit
Bigeye and Yellowfin Tuna - 27" Curved FL
Bag limit
Yellowfin Tuna - 3/Day
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Tuna: Bluefin, Bigeye and Yellowfin rules in North Carolina
- Where
- All waters
- Size limit
- Bigeye and Yellowfin Tuna - 27" Curved FL
- Bag limit
- Yellowfin Tuna - 3/Day
- (g) In state or federal waters, federal permit required for Highly Migratory Species, tunas, billfishes, swordfish and sharks (excluding Atlantic bonito, little tunny (false albacore), and blackfin tuna): https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/ 978-281-9370. Prior to removal from vessel, all billfishes, swordfish and bluefin tuna must be reported at NC HMS reporting stations. See the DMF website for more details. For seasons, bag limits, size limits or closures for tunas, billfishes, and sharks contact NMFS Highly Migratory Species Division 800-894-5528.
Quick answers
What is the tuna: bluefin, bigeye and yellowfin size limit in North Carolina?
Bigeye and Yellowfin Tuna - 27" Curved FL.
How many tuna: bluefin, bigeye and yellowfin can I keep in North Carolina?
Yellowfin Tuna - 3/Day.
More offshore & pelagic in North Carolina
- Blue Marlin
- Bluefish
- Cobia
- Dolphin
- King Mackerel
- Prohibited Sharks
- Sailfish
- Sharks
- Spanish Mackerel
- Spiny Dogfish
- Wahoo
- White Marlin
All North Carolina saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: NC Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Marine Fisheries. Most anglers need a North Carolina saltwater license or registry: get one here.